Geauga County Jail – Chardon, OH

Geauga County Jail is in Geauga County, OH and is the primary correctional facility for that area. Are you looking for somebody in jail at Geauga County Jail? This guide will tell you information about everything related to Geauga County Jail,like the following: Find an inmate at Geauga County Jail. Find inmate mugshots. The jail’s address and phone number. Bailing out of jail. Intake procedures. Court information. And everything else.

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The prospect of going to jail is a scary thought, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. This guide is meant to give you all the information and tips you need to make helping a friend or family member get out of jail easier. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask it in the comment section below, and please leave any tips or comments that would help others would be welcome.

General Information

Address

Geauga County Jail
12450 Merritt Road
Chardon, OH 44024

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone Number: 440-564-7131
Fax Number:

Map and Directions

Click Here for Map & Directions

Inmate Search – Find Out Who’s In Jail

Do you have a family member or friend in jail and want to find out where they are?

Has someone who has been arrested and you want to find them?

To find out who’s in jail at Geauga County Jail you should go to their website and use the inmate search.

Inmate Locator

The Geauga County Jail Inmate Lookup is a list of people who have been arrested and are in jail, which includes current status, how much their bail is, and times you can visit. Also, you are able to get the same information on anybody arrested and booked or discharged within the past 24 hours. Inmates are shown in alphabetical order by their last name. You will be able to locate the information more quickly if you enter your friend or family member’s first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or loved one might be at another county jail you will want to check our guide to other Ohio jails: Other County Jails in Ohio


Mugshots

A mugshot, or jail booking picture, is the photo that the jail takes during jail intake processing. A mugshot is actually two photos one frontal photo and a profile photo. Your name and intake number will be on the photos, and they will be stored at the jail.

View Mugshots

Mugshots are on the website, or you can go in person to the Geauga County Jail. When viewing mugshots online you will have to enter the prisoner’s legal name, and the arrest date, if you have it.

Mugshot Search

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How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Need to know how to get your mugshot erased from the Geauga County Jail site? This may not be possible, as your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot removed you have to file a ‘Petition to Expunge’. What this means is that the record of your arrest would be sealed, so no one will be able to access them. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet


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Bail & Bail Bondsmen – How To Get Out of Jail

Of course, once you are incarcerated, your main thought is about how to get out. After you’ve been booked, your bail will be set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If there is no bail set this may mean that you will either get released, pending trial, or you are kept in jail until your court date.

If you are released you will have to promise to be in court on your court date, and until then you won’t be allowed to travel out of the county.

In most cases, a prisoner at Geauga County Jail can earn an early release in exchange for good behavior if they don’t break the rules and conduct themselves properly while locked up.

If you prove to be trustworthy, you might be allowed to do work release. You will have to stay the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished working, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of the jail.

Bail

Bail is money that you will be required to pay to be released from jail until your trial. The amount of bail that is set all depends on the seriousness of your crime. You will have to pay 10 percent of the total that was set so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you miss court, whoever paid your bail will lose that money.

Find Out How Much Someone’s Bail Is

To find out how much bail money you will need to bail someone out of jail need to call the Geauga County Jail or the County Courthouse. If you’ve got the person’s info, like name, address and date of birth, they’ll let you know what their bail is set at. You can also see the bail amount on the Geauga County Jail website.

How To Bail Someone Out of Jail

Having to bail someone out of jail is never a fun thing, but thankfully, it’s very simple to do. First of all, you need to know if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If so, you won’t be able to use the services of a bondsman. Take cash only to the jail – the jail can’t accept a personal check. As soon as you’ve posted (paid) bond, the prisoner will get released. If the conditions of bail are not violated, you’ll get your money back.

Bail Bondsman

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford it, you should look into the services of a bail bondsman. They will generally have a fee of 10-15% of the bail amount, and sometimes charge a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and the bondsman only accepts cash. If the bail is exceptionally high, the bondsman might use your assets, such as home, property or cars, as collateral for the bond in addition to their charges.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman at Geauga County Jail

Have you ever had to find a Bail Bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to post a comment

Other Ways to Get Out of Jail

  • Time Off For Good Behavior
  • Work Release
  • Time Served
  • Be Released on a Pre-Trial Release Program
  • House Arrest
  • Be Released on Your Own Recognizance


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Jail Policies and Procedures

Intake Procedures / Booking

The jail intake procedure includes each of the following steps:

  • You will be placed in a holding cell. If the jail is busy, you may not be processed immediately.
  • The first thing you will have to is you will have to answer some simple questions, like what is your full legal name, address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
  • Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
  • You will be given an inmate ID.
  • You will be fingerprinted.
  • They will take your mugshot.
  • All of your personal property will get taken away from you and stored until you are released.
  • You will be allowed to use the telephone so you can contact family, friends, or bail bondsman.
  • If you are expected to be released shortly, you might be allowed to wear your street clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail uniform.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If so, please tell us how it happened. How long did it take to get processed? How were you treated? Can you tell us tips that could help other people to get through the process?

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Discharge Procedures

When you post bail, you will get released from jail. This process may take between 15 minutes to hours or even all day long. In other words the faster bail is posted, the quicker you can get released from jail. How quickly you get discharged depends on if you have a cash bond amount or if the judge has to decide on the bail amount. For minor offenses, you will simply be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. If you have served a sentence in jail and know the date of your release, you should expect to be discharged between 9am and noon.

How To Turn Yourself In

for your arrest, or if you need to start a jail sentence, it is highly recommended that you do the right thing and turn yourself in willingly. For a warrant, go down to the jail, and tell the intake officer that believe that there could be a warrant out for your arrest. They will check to see if you have a warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into jail custody. If it is for a jail sentence, go down to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order states. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Be sure to only bring things that are allowed when you go, for example your driver’s license or ID, any prescription medication you might take, as well as a sentencing order from court.

Visitation Procedures

In order to have visitors, inmates need to list information about each visitor to the jail in advance of the visit. Your visitor’s names will go into a log of visitors for the inmate that requested the visitor. Each and every visitor is required to provide a photo ID when visiting. Anyone showing up late or that does not have a visitation order will be turned away.
Visitation procedures at Geauga County Jail frequently change, so it would be wise to visit the official jail site before you try to go to visitation.

Visiting Hours

Phone Calls & Phone Usage Policy

Phone calls that inmates are allowed to make from jail are with a pre-paid phone card or account, or are collect calls . Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than phone calls made outside of jail. Inmates are able to make phone calls, with restrictions on how often you can use the phone, but you should keep in mind that a long line can form at the phones, because everyone wants to use the phone, too. If you break the rules, an inmate’s phone privileges might get reduced or eliminated completely, as part of the punishment.

The Geauga County Jail phone number is: 440-564-7131

Sending Mail to Inmates

All mall sent to inmates is required to be mailed using the US Postal Service. You can’t use any other method of delivery. You must print the inmate’s name, inmate ID, and the jail address on the envelope. Do not send a package, padded envelope, plastic bag, or an envelope with metal inside. Any mail will be opened and read and examined by staff, and will get returned to the sender if the jail decides it is inappropriate.

Mailing Address

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Geauga County Jail:

Geauga County Jail
12450 Merritt Road
Chardon, OH 44024

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Geauga County Jail
12450 Merritt Road
Chardon, OH 44024


The mail policy is always changing, so visit the the Geauga County Jail website before you send a letter to an inmate.


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Court Information

Get A Lawyer

When you’ve been arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You are only allowed to make so many phone calls in jail, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to find a lawyer for you. You might be thinking ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a lawyer will advise you about your rights, help protect your interests and help you understand the court system in your county. The faster you hire a lawyer to represent you and work on your charges, the better your chances.

To read more about how to find an attorney, click here: Find an Attorney

Public Defender

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will be assigned a public defender. The Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as independent investigators, forensics experts and social workers. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who are admitted to the State Bar and are legally licensed to practice law.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney? Do you think they properly handled your case?

Court Records

Geauga County court records are public records and are available upon request. They include a file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and each of the documents and motions that have been filed in the case. You are able to access court records using the internet service, or at the Clerk’s office of the Court.

Clerk of Court

The Geauga County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains court records and controls access to them. They also administer the oath in a court case, and also read the verdict when decided by the jury. All records from your case are kept and available to you at Clerk of Court.

Fees

Court costs and court fees are the fees and charges from your court case, such as filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you are low income and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees.

Magistrate

The magistrate is the person that rules on your case in court. Magistrates do several different things, which include setting bail, writing arrest warrants, and overseeing preliminary court proceedings and detention proceedings.

Pre-Sentencing

Your pre-sentencing report is completed to include the defendant’s background information and details of the defendant’s life, which the judge will review and take into consideration when determining your sentence. Information and personal details will be collected from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim. Be sure to remember you are allowed to request to have a copy of the report before you are sentenced, and make sure that you correct any mistakes that it contains.

Sentencing

After being convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The judge will have several different options when sentencing you, ranging from community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you will either be taken into custody, right there in court, or you might be given a date that you must go to jail to serve your sentence.


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Public Records

Inmate Inquiry

Do you need to find out if someone is in jail, or has ever been in jail?

You can you need to go to the Geauga County jail website, and do a search using:

  • Their name.
  • Birthdate.
  • Approximate booking date.
  • or inmate ID.

If you think this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

Warrant Inquiry

If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you can check arrest warrants inquiry online or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. You can also go to the local jail and ask them. You should be clear that if there is a warrant for your arrest, you will be taken into custody immediately.

Arrest Inquiry

If you know the person’s first and last name, as well as their arrest date, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or you can check online. Records of arrests are in the public record and this is available to anyone.

Civil Inquiry

Civil processes are when you are served with legal papers, which can be court orders. You can find these civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, on their website or by phone.

Sex Offender Search / Lookup

All convicted sex offenders are required to be registered and listed on either a national or state sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been convicted in a court of law of a sex or kidnapping crime. You are able to view this information on the website, but you should know that you can’t see the actual address, just the block that they live on.

Court Records

Court Records are considered public records, so they are accessible to anyone who requests them. Court Records include a court case file that contains a court docket and all filings and documents filed in the case. You can access the court records on the internet, or at Clerk of Court office in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Criminal Records

Each and every state maintains records of someone’s criminal past. These state databases are all linked so you can track criminal backgrounds from any other state. Go to the Geauga County Courthouse and check in person or you can check online. It helps to know which county the crime occurred in, and in the event that it was in a totally different state, you may have to pay for a more complete search.

A criminal history search you will find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for the following crimes:

  • DUI.
  • Drug crimes like possession or trafficking.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Sexual offenses including rape, assault.
  • Violent crimes like assault or murder.
  • Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you won’t discover if that person has had any infractions like moving violations:

  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Drivers license suspended or revoked.
  • Accidents.
  • Moving violations.
  • Parking Tickets.
  • To search for this information, you have to do a driving history search.

    Have you ever had to look for criminal records online? How hard was it? Did you search online or did you have to call the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are lots of reasons that folks look up criminal records and backgrounds, and your account might help other people.

    Click here to share your story

    Most Wanted

    For Federal crimes, the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Geauga County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

    FBI Top Ten Most Wanted List: Link


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    Life In Jail / What Its Like

    Daily Life

    Just the thought of being incarcerated in Geauga County Jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon settle into the daily routine there. Prisoners get an alarm to wake up at 6:00am, and next they’ll do roll call. You will then eat breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast participate in the work program that you’ve been assigned to. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

    Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Geauga County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

    Dress Code

    When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Geauga County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

    How To Send Money to an Inmate

    You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

    The process for sending money to inmates at Geauga County Jail can change, so double check the official Geauga County Jail site when you send any money.

    Commissary

    The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

    Inmate Medications

    If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

    Meals

    You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

    Pods / The Yard

    The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

    Gangs

    As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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    News and Media

    News

    Photos / Pictures

    Videos


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    Jobs

    Types of Jobs at Geauga County Jail

    The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Geauga County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

    Apply for a Job at Geauga County Jail

    Requirements:

    • You must be over the age of 21.
    • You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
    • You must be a US Citizen.
    • You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
    • You must pass a drug test.
    • You must have a good level of fitness.
    • You must be in good health.
    • You must have a valid Driver’s License
    • An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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    Family Resources

    There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

    If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

    Click here to tell your story


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    Victim Resources

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Victim’s Rights

    The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

    • You have the right to protection from the accused.
    • You have the right to notification.
    • You have the right to attend proceedings.
    • You have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
    • You have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
    • You have the right to restitution.
    • You have the right to a speedy trial.
    • You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

    The definition of victim includes:

    • Spouses and children of all victims.
    • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
    • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
    • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

    There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

    Victim Notification

    The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

    Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

    Click here to leave a comment

    Sex Offender Information and Search

    All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

    Domestic Violence

    If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

    Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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    Reviews

    Reviews of this Jail

    Have you ever been a prisoner in Geauga County Jail? Do you have a family member or friend there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at this jail?

    If so, then we would like you to write a review about it. Write down your jail experience so that other people can find out what to expect.

    Things you might want to include in what you write:

    • Conditions at the jail.
    • Jail and pod facility and layout
    • Guards and jail staff
    • Commissary and food
    • Visitation Days
    • The other inmates – what are they like?
    • Inmate safety
    • Gangs
    • Prisoner programs and activities


    Write a Review

    Tell Your Story

    Everybody who’s been arrested and thrown in jail has a story about it. How’d you end up in jail? Were you fairly treated? What happened to you while you were locked up? What were the other inmates like? How did it affect you to go to jail?

    Click here to tell your story about Geauga County Jail

    Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

    Make some good friends in jail? Do you want to find out how to get in touch with someone from jail? Leave a message for them here.

    Send a message to Geauga County Jail


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